Illness and grade drop--explanation in UC essays?

Parents Forum
1

<p>I had an illness and since We didn't find the possible cuase for a long time, I wasn't able to manage it and so My grades went from A's to b's and C+'s. Is there any way I could explain in my UC essay? I talked about how if I could learn from that one year of misery, and if the things I learned could benefit all my other years, college, life, then it was worth it. </p>

<p>I'm really unsure about how to go about explaining this. I don't want to sound like a bunch of excuses. </p>

<p>Are there any tips for writing this essay (short, open-ended 200 words) anyone can give me (who has gone through a similar situation?)</p>

<p>Thanks so much in advance.</p>

2

<p>You should most definitely explain your grade drop in the section which allows to tell them anything else. Do it very matter of factly--no need to be clever or poetic here. Explain the facts. Don't worry about whether it sounds like an excuse or not---if you were truly sick and it took its tool on you academically, you should share it. This has been stated at all the UC conferences I have attended and is what I always advise my students.</p>

3

<p>I second mythreedd - there's a section on the UC app where you can explain anything that might have affected your academics.</p>